Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of AvaTrade vs iFOREX, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
AvaTrade and iFOREX are both prominent online brokers, but they differ significantly in terms of regulatory trustworthiness and history. AvaTrade, established in 2006, is not listed on any stock exchange and is not a bank, similar to iFOREX, which started in 1996. However, AvaTrade distinguishes itself with a higher level of regulation, holding four Tier-1 licenses and three Tier-2 licenses. This robust regulatory backing contributes to AvaTrade's impressive Trust Score rating of 94 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, indicating a high level of trustworthiness.
In contrast, iFOREX holds only one Tier-1 license and does not possess any Tier-2 licenses. As a result, it has a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score rating of 75 out of 99, categorizing it as having an average risk level. Neither broker is publicly traded or operates as a bank, but AvaTrade's regulatory credentials position it as a more trusted choice for those prioritizing safety and compliance in their trading activities.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2006 | 1996 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
AvaTrade offers competitive spreads that are close to the industry average, starting at just under one pip (0.9 pips as of June 2024). This makes AvaTrade's spreads slightly higher than entry-level accounts from brokers like CMC Markets and Tickmill. However, professional traders who qualify for AvaTrade's Professional account can enjoy even more competitive spreads of 0.6 pips, which are on par with FP Markets. AvaTrade holds a commendable 4.5-star rating for commissions and fees and is ranked #12 out of 62 brokers in this category by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, iFOREX does not publicly provide average spread data, making direct comparisons more challenging. Despite this lack of transparency, the broker receives a 3-star rating for commissions and fees. In the same category ranking by ForexBrokers.com, iFOREX finds itself further down the list at #60 out of 62 brokers. This indicates that while iFOREX may fulfill basic trading needs, it might not be the most cost-effective option available.
In conclusion, when considering commissions and fees, AvaTrade appears to offer a more desirable package compared to iFOREX. With lower spreads and higher rankings, those seeking to optimize their trading costs might find AvaTrade to be the more attractive choice. Ensuring cost-effectiveness, especially for professional traders, AvaTrade stands out, while iFOREX could be suitable for traders with different priorities.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.93 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.61 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing AvaTrade and iFOREX, a key consideration is the variety of investment options available. AvaTrade boasts a more extensive range with 1,260 tradeable symbols, overshadowing iFOREX's offering of 750. Despite this, iFOREX leads in forex pairs, providing access to 88 pairs compared to AvaTrade's 53. Both brokers facilitate forex trading through CFDs, but neither offers the option to buy exchange-traded securities directly from U.S. or international markets. For those interested in cryptocurrency derivatives, both platforms oblige but stop short of offering actual cryptocurrency purchases.
A unique feature of AvaTrade is its availability of copy trading, which is not an option at iFOREX. In terms of ratings, AvaTrade scores slightly higher with a four-star rating for their range of investments, placing 32nd out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, iFOREX holds a 3.5-star rating, ranking 41st. Overall, AvaTrade's broader selection of tradeable symbols might appeal to investors seeking diverse options, while iFOREX provides a stronger selection of forex pairs.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1260 | 750 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 53 | 88 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When it comes to trading platforms and tools, AvaTrade stands out with a more comprehensive offering compared to iFOREX. AvaTrade provides a simulated trading experience through a free demo account, which is a valuable feature for beginners to practice without risk. Both brokers have developed their proprietary platforms, but AvaTrade also supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, known for their advanced analytics and trading capabilities—something iFOREX does not offer. AvaTrade also surpasses iFOREX by allowing Windows-based desktop trading, in addition to a versatile web-based platform. In terms of innovative trading features, AvaTrade supports copy trading and integrates with platforms like DupliTrade and ZuluTrade, offering more ways to engage in the market compared to iFOREX, which lacks these options.
For charting, AvaTrade provides 13 drawing tools and the capability to trade directly from stock charts, matching iFOREX's abilities, though iFOREX offers more drawing tools with a total of 25. In terms of watch lists, iFOREX provides more customization with nine columns compared to AvaTrade's seven. Despite these differences, AvaTrade is rated higher with 4.5 stars for its trading platforms and tools, ranked 13th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while iFOREX holds a 4-star rating, placed at the 54th position. Overall, AvaTrade delivers a richer, more advanced, and customizable trading environment that might appeal more to those looking for comprehensive trading tools and flexibility.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | No |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 80 | 57 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 13 | 25 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of AvaTrade and iFOREX, AvaTrade stands out with a range of features designed to enhance user experience and trading efficiency. Both brokers offer mobile apps for iPhone and Android, but AvaTrade provides traders with additional advantages. AvaTrade users can receive stock and forex price alerts, while iFOREX does not offer this feature. Furthermore, AvaTrade allows watchlist symbol syncing, enabling seamless updates between the app and the online account, a feature that iFOREX lacks. AvaTrade impresses with 73 technical studies available for charting, while iFOREX does not specify their offerings. Traders with AvaTrade can also draw trendlines on charts and view multiple time frames, an option not available with iFOREX.
In terms of watchlist functionality, AvaTrade allows users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, whereas iFOREX does not. Although neither mobile app automatically saves chart drawings, the overall feature set of AvaTrade contributes to its higher mobile app rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, compared to iFOREX's 4 stars. This performance is reflected in the rankings provided by ForexBrokers.com, where AvaTrade secures the 13th position among 62 brokers, significantly higher than iFOREX's 55th place. Overall, AvaTrade’s mobile app offers a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience compared to iFOREX.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 73 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing AvaTrade and iFOREX, traders will find distinct differences in the market research offerings. While iFOREX provides daily market commentary to keep clients updated on the latest trends, AvaTrade does not. However, AvaTrade compensates with forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, unlike iFOREX. Both brokers equip traders with technical analysis tools from Trading Central, enhancing their decision-making capabilities. Sentiment-based trading tools are also available with AvaTrade and iFOREX, allowing clients to gauge market positions across currency pairs.
Both AvaTrade and iFOREX feature economic calendars to keep users informed of global financial events. Though neither broker offers tools from companies TipRanks or Acuity Trading, AvaTrade edges ahead in research capabilities, boasting a four-star rating compared to iFOREX's 3.5 stars. Reflecting this, AvaTrade holds the 34th position in ForexBrokers.com's research rankings, while iFOREX is ranked 48th among 62 brokers. This positioning highlights AvaTrade as a slightly more favorable choice for those prioritizing comprehensive market research.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available for beginners, AvaTrade stands out as a solid choice. AvaTrade provides over ten educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs, ensuring newcomers have access to a variety of learning materials, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. Additionally, AvaTrade hosts monthly online educational webinars, which are also available in a searchable archive, allowing users to revisit and learn at their own pace. For those starting out, AvaTrade offers plenty of beginner-friendly videos alongside a comprehensive investor dictionary with more than 50 definitions, catering both to new traders and those with some experience. With a higher educational rating of 4 stars and being ranked #2 out of 62 brokers, AvaTrade offers a strong foundation for anyone looking to learn trading.
In contrast, iFOREX offers a limited selection of educational resources for beginners. While iFOREX does have beginner educational videos, it lacks the depth of educational content present with AvaTrade. iFOREX does not offer regular online educational webinars, nor does it maintain a searchable webinar archive, which may restrict learning for those who prefer interactive and flexible study methods. Additionally, there is no investor dictionary available for users who want to familiarize themselves with essential trading terms. With an educational rating of 3.5 stars and a lower rank of #53 in the Education category, iFOREX might not meet the educational needs of all novice traders when compared to AvaTrade.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that AvaTrade is better than iFOREX. AvaTrade finished with an overall rank of #13, while iFOREX finished with an overall rank of #52.
AvaTrade is a trusted global brand best known for offering an extensive selection of trading platforms for forex and CFD traders, as well as exceptional educational content that helped it nab Best in Class honors for Beginners in the ForexBrokers.com 2025 Annual Awards.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 94 | 75 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platform & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Both AvaTrade and iFOREX do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency; however, they both provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both AvaTrade and iFOREX do not support ACH or SEPA transfers but offer flexibility with PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires for deposits and withdrawals, making them competitive options for online trading.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 94 | 75 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | AvaTrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| Regulation | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 94 | 75 | |
| Year Founded | 2006 | 1996 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1260 | 750 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 53 | 88 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.93 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.61 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | No | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 80 | 57 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 13 | 25 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 73 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | AvaTrade Review |
| Overall | AvaTrade | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 94 | 75 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | AvaTrade Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill